Fun Summer Style

TREAT FOR YOUR FEET: I love the dark teal color of the Muse Nail Varnish from Illamasqua. The color is very pure, modern and unique, and it changes depending on the lighting. It looks absolutely beautiful on my toes with its high gloss finish. (Who would have thought the Teal is going to be called Modern again?)
FUN SHOES: Tack Room Heels will go along well with the funky teal on my toes.
BAGS DO NOT GET ANY CUTER: than the Sett & Reset Tote. All of the essentials will easily fit in this spacious bag. The pretty plaid pattern of the silk trimmed in leather is so much fun!

Metal Element

FUNKY: Keychain Holder by Cucampre

CHICKEN WIRE (!): Café America chair by Grain

SLEEK: A Stool by Hale

NBS: Fall 2011 Color Forcast

I have been saying it for years now: Navy is the new Black. I've said it with an eyeliner and a nail polish. I've wrapped my neck with a long navy-blue scarf that I got as a gift from Paris, even in a 90-degrees weather. I've stayed true to it with my wardrobe and those favorite Fiorentini+Baker boots you see me wearing all the time. It even effected the name of my blog!
There is no question: navy-blue is IN. These beautiful Midnight Meeting Oxfords below are a great number from the Anthropologie's fall collection.
I could not resist including this adorable In-The-Deep Bag. Best part is - it is on sale now and the price is right. And so is the color.

Hot Summer Planter

My friend CB just recently shared this photo of an old cast iron stove she found in her grandmother's house in Northern Germany. Being one of the most creative persons I know, she always surprises me with brilliant ideas. This time, instead of getting rid of the old dysfunctional stove, she refinished it and turned it into a planter. Now, how clever is that?
I love the contrast: an industrial heavy metal hot item that grows a delicate flower arrangement. And the best part is - it can be used both inside the house or outside in the garden. Truly, one of a kind hot summer planter!

Outdoor Seating: Picnic Style

There is this place in my neighborhood, Garnett's Cafe. I love going there. I remember the very first time I had lunch there, before the big move, exhausted after looking at multiple houses. I immediately fell in love with its casual and very charming decor. Located at a corner building in a triangle-shaped space, it offers a nice variety of salads and sandwiches that are catered just for you. Its retro-looking bar has a good variety of wine and beer. Their freshly-baked pies and cakes are amazing. The line of random cute chairs sitting in front of the entrance, rain or shine, makes one feel very welcome.

Photo by Jeff Horne

Painting by Betsy Morgan

Last time I had lunch there, I discovered that those chairs in the front are not the only outdoor seating this place offers. You can eat outdoors in the little park, right across the street from the restaurant. A stack of blankets is waiting in the corner of the dining room to be spread out on a green lawn. A picnic basket filled with delicious food packed per your order will accompany you on your outdoors venture. How cool is that?

If this inspires you to have a picnic of your own, here are my recommendations of the absolutely necessary items:
Wicker Picnic Basket from Williams-Sonoma and Waterproof Picnic Blanket from Picnic World
Drink responsibly: Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha my favorite wine from Spain
Eat lots of french bread with cheese and grapes! Enjoy!
Show up in style: Backswept Dress from Anthropologie was made for picnics!
Accessorize with Sevigne Washed Leather Sandals from J.Crew, or go barefoot - your choice!
Don't forget to polish your nails with one of many beautiful colors from Illamasqua and to protect your skin from sunburn and bugs with the Badger SPF 30+ Anti-Bug Sunscreen by BadgerBalm

Turquoise Obsession

• Butterfly Kiss Brooch

• Knotted Necklace

• Arche 'Lilly' Flat

• Anadyomene Cardigan

• Dotty Shorts

• Original Block Print - VASE NO. 26

• Abilene Sconce

• Le Versha Chair, Turquoise

WARNING:
These items are not intended on being put together. The color is very powerful, and to be used sparingly. If you sit on that chair wearing those shorts, you may blend in so much - no one will notice you.